Entrepreneur Spotlight Series: Roselle Turenne

We care about our entrepreneurs and follow them on their journey! Over the coming weeks, we will introduce you to a series of successful entrepreneurs from Manitoba. Today, we invite you to discover the inspiring story of Roselle Turenne from Prairie Gal Fishing.

Roselle Turenne

What products or services do you offer?

Prairie Gal Fishing offers ice fishing workshops, ice shack and ice fishing equipment rentals. We have a beautiful fishing shack located on Balsam Bay, situated on the South Bassin of Lake Winnipeg. We offer two options. The first is an all-inclusive service that includes all of the equipment, bait, augered holes and a pre-heated shack. We also offer a bare-bones service that gives access to the shack and a hand auger, you provide your own equipment and supplies. Ice Fishing lessons will be offered locally at Fort Whyte Alive.

What is your market?

We primarily cater to women and non cis-gendered individuals in a goal to introduce or reintroduce them to Ice Fishing in Manitoba. This provides an opportunity to build skills, and empower individuals to be independent when they go fishing with their partner, or pass their fishing skills along to children.

How did you come up with your business idea?

My Master’s research focused on women and fishing. Women are the largest and fastest-growing demographic in fishing, but the industry is slow to respond. I also noticed that many women were heavily reliant on others to go fishing. By providing basic lessons, I can help them learn the skills, feel empowered and have fun out on the ice. Simple considerations, like providing a toilet on the ice is a small but important gesture.

What is the most important lesson you have learned in your entrepreneurial journey?

Being flexible and the ability to pivot is crucial. I have also seen the importance of various media and the power of exceptional customer service is key!

What was the proudest moment in your entrepreneurial career?

When I gave my first lesson with Prairie Gal Fishing. Everything became “real”.

What do you think are the most important skills for an entrepreneur?

Listen, care and never stop innovating.

What tools do you use the most in your work?

Social media is a very powerful tool in this industry.

If you were not an entrepreneur, you would be…

It’s rather: if I were not working full time, I would be an entrepreneur.

One thing people don’t know or know little about you?

I did not start fishing before I was 19 (by the way, more than 30% of women who fish started to do so when they were adult).

Who would you like to spend a day with?

I would love to go fishing with my mentor, Barb Carey. She is an exceptional spokeswoman and ambassador for women in fishing.

https://www.prairiegalfishing.com/